First-year coach Tony Reid described Zaire as humble and a good team leader.

“He’s not caught up in his press clippings,” Reid said. “And that’s what Washington State liked about him.”

Andre said he liked the idea of being able to play almost as soon as he arrived on the Pullman campus.

But he was quick to say that nothing was for certain. Andre verbally committed to Washington State at the end of the 2012-13 school year.

He said he had been approached by several Pacific-12 schools, Nebraska, Nevada, San Jose State, Houston and Wyoming, but he said he always wanted to play in the Pac-12.

“I felt comfortable with their coaches and their offense,” Andre said. “It’s a Pac-12 school and they like to throw a lot. As a receiver, I like that.”

Reid said Andre has proven himself as a leader who leads by example.

“He’s got a great work ethic,” Reid said. “He works hard and he plays hard.”

Ask him to talk about how he fits with his team, and he names his teammates off.

Along with the expected stars, Andre added the names of teammates receiver/defensive back Mister Jackson and cornerback back Roosevelt Lewis as players to watch.

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“All those guys should be able to play at the next level,” Andre said.

And with that much talent around him, Andre said he is excited about winning Inglewood’s first Ocean League title since 2010.

The only team to win the Ocean League title since then is two-time defending league champion Santa Monica, and Zaire said he’s looking forward to their Nov. 1 meeting at Santa Monica City College.

“We have a lot of returners and a strong senior class,” Andre said. “The new coaching staff has brought in a good vibe that makes me want to go out there and compete for a championship like at the other big schools.”

Inglewood lost to Santa Monica, 39-10, but said he and his teammates will be better prepared this time around.

“I think they got over us a little bit. But we’re ready for them,” Andre said. “We made a lot of early penalties and they took advantage.”

Andre said the new coaching staff and infused a different energy in the team.

“They’ve been able to get us to come together as a family. We play as one and it’s not about one guy.” Andre said. “They’ve taught the seniors how to be better leaders and hoe to work with the younger players and prepare them for later seasons.”